Today’s Previews
HURLING
Allianz Hurling League - Round 4
Division 1 Group A
Clare v Limerick
Cusack Park, Ennis, 1.45pm (TG4 deferred)
Ref: P Murphy (Carlow)
No need quite yet for Limerick to be hitting the panic button, though John Kiely will no doubt stress the important of discipline and controlled aggression after losing Seamus Flanagan and Gearoid Hegarty to straight red cards in successive matches. Expect a much higher level of performance here from the All-Ireland champions, who might think twice for a change about allowing Tony Kelly to go without a man-marker.
Verdict: Limerick
Division 1 Group B Waterford v Tipperary Walsh Park, 1.45pm (TG4) Ref: C Lyons (Cork)
Liam Cahill must be feeling comfortable with his decision to stick with his adopted Waterford, seeing as they already look to have kicked on from last year. A free-scoring Austin Gleeson, not named for today, has been one element to a squad with real depth as Tipperary look to embed a more controlled, possession game. Verdict: Waterford
Laois v Antrim
MW Hire O’Moore Park, 3.45pm (TG4)
Ref: S Hynes (Galway)
Laois’ score difference is -54 while Antrim’s is -9 so, while they both lie pointless, Antrim have been ultracompetitive so far and unlucky not to get something from impressive displays against Kilkenny, Dublin and Waterford – Neil McManus coming within a late penalty of a result against Waterford last weekend. Huge in the context of staying in Division One.
Verdict: Antrim
Division 2A
Kerry v Meath
Austin Stack Park, 1pm Ref: R McGann (Clare)
The Meath attack has been missing the scoring power of injured Padraic O’Hanrahan in recent rounds, while 27 scores conceded against Westmeath isn’t the most encouraging against a Kerry side with eyes firmly on promotion.
Verdict: Kerry
Kildare v Carlow Newbridge, 2pm
Ref: F Horgan (Tipperary)
Just seven points from open play against Kerry shows how Carlow are struggling to find their best form in this campaign, although there is enough experience in the side to grind a win out here.
Verdict: Carlow
Westmeath v Down
TEG Cusack Park, 2pm
Ref: M Kennedy (Tipperary)
Niall Mitchell found his goal-scoring touch to do real damage against Meath in the last round, and Joe Fortune’s side will want to build on that level of performance.
Verdict: Westmeath
Division 2B
London v Wicklow
Ruislip, 1pm
Ref: C Flynn (Westmeath)
Donegal v Derry
Letterkenny, 2pm Ref: J Judge (Mayo)
Mayo v Sligo
Ballina Stephenites, 2pm Ref: J Connors (Donegal)
Division 3A
Armagh v Roscommon
Athletic Grounds, 2pm Ref: C McDonald (Antrim)
Monaghan v Tyrone
Inniskeen, 2pm
Ref: A McAleer (Donegal)
Longford v Leitrim
Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm Ref: S Stack (Dublin)
Division 3B
Fermanagh v Lancashire Darver, 12.30
Ref: T Conway (Derry)
FOOTBALL
Allianz FL Division 2: Galway v Offaly, Pearse Stadium, 2pm
These two counties may currently be sheltered under the same division two roof, but they inhabit very different worlds.
Galway’s high-powered attack is fuelling what appears to be a rapid return to the top flight, although giving up 2-17 to Cork last week suggested they are still too vulnerable at the back and will pay the price when they joust with those at their weight level. However, Offaly, whose slim chance of staying in the division – and in the Sam Maguire – may have evaporated with the concession of that late goal to Meath, are unlikely to have the weaponry to take advantage. Verdict: Galway
Allianz FL Division 4: Sligo v Cavan, Markievicz Park, 2pm
Prior to the weather forcing this to be rescheduled a fortnight ago, this had the feel of a “match of the day” about it but, in the aftermath of Sligo’s less than convincing performance against Tipperary, more than a little intrigue has drained.
Anyhow, Cavan, irrespective of Sligo’s form, should be more than capable of escaping from this division without any blemish on their record.
Verdict: Cavan
Wexford v Tipperary, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm
Despite their terrible start, Tipperary are in with a chance of getting themselves back in the promotion picture, but this will not be easy. Wexford took down London’s unbeaten record last weekend but Tipperary, now perhaps they have discovered their true form, represent a considerable step-up.
Verdict: Tipperary